Walks

Walking on Egilsay it is easy to enjoy the wildlife and wild flowers - they are all around you! Orchids, ragged robin, lady's smock, bog cotton, vetches, marsh marigolds and yellow iris are just a few of the flowers that cover the island during summer. May and June are particularly beautiful.

The wetland areas are alive with birdsong, the calls of the lapwing, skylark, curlew, oystercatcher, snipe and the unmistakable sound of the arctic tern returning at the end of April - beginning of May.

The RSPB manage their Egilsay reserve to try and increase the number of breeding corncrakes. The corncrake is an elusive character and rarely seen but its characteristic rasping call may be heard in the evenings if you are lucky!

An easy walk to the beach on the East side of Egilsay takes you through the wonderful wetland area of the bird reserve (approx 3.7km return) this is a track with deep puddles almost all year round (wellies are advisable).

Egilsay is well known for its part in the Orkneyinga saga as the place where St Magnus was betrayed by his cousin Hakon and murdered.

St Magnus church managed by Historic Scotland (accessed by road and track), and the cairn built to mark the site of Magnus' murder, (accessed by road, track and ) are within 0.5m of the pier.

More challenging walks are possible around the shoreline, there are no made paths and at high tide you will be clambering over large stones and rocky outcrops so stout footwear is advisable.

As with all of Orkney the weather can change in minutes and waterproof clothing is essential as there is no shelter.

If you are coming over as part of a small group give us a call and fair notice and we will arrange to open up the community hall and provide light refreshments for a donation to our Community Association funds.